New England Patriots vs Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI
Two weeks from yesterday, the world will be tuned in to the National Football League's "grandaddy of them all", as Super Bowl LI (51) will happen at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Sucks for Houston though, as the American Football Conference champions defeated their beloved Texans in a semi-final matchup, but that's another story.
Honestly, I predicted this match-up and it is very exciting to see this come to pass. It will be the NFC Champions, the Atlanta Falcons against the AFC Champions, the New England Patriots.
Both teams winning their division title games in dominating fashion, with the Falcons destroying a team led by a QB many considered the best in the biz (yeah, totally wrong), with a stunning 44-21 win over the Green Bay Packers, while the Patriots did what they do best, and that's win, upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers 36-17.
It's a feel good story for both of these teams because, to many, both have something to prove.
For Atlanta, it's simply reaching that 'brass ring'. This is the Falcons' 2nd Super Bowl appearance EVER. And the first time they went, though it felt good, they were demolished by the great John Elway & the Denver Broncos. They now have a chance not only at redemption, but to silence all the haters and those who always count them out, and are one win away from establishing themselves as one of the great franchises in the league. They have tons of history of magnificent players and moments, but for the Peach State, this win means more now than it ever has before. However, in order to finally achieve that goal, they must get through who I feel is THE BEST FOOTBALL FRANCHISE IN HISTORY.
Forget Don Shula, forget the undefeated Miami Dolphins, forget Brett Favre, forget Peyton Manning, there is only one team who I feel in my heart are the greatest. And Atlanta, will have to do a lot of planning to defeat the Patriots. Led by the G.O.A.T. Tom Brady & the G.O.A.T. in coaching Bill Belichick who is already making history, being the only coach with 7 SB appearances, and who could make more history by becoming the coach with the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history, the Patriots look to go into Houston & do what they do best: WIN FOOTBALL GAMES.
It's a simple principle that they've always had. Especially meaningful this season, as we all remember Brady's 4-game suspension at the top of the season, due to 'Deflategate'. However, Brady came back to a team that was 4-0. They didn't lose their first game until about 10 weeks in or so, proving that no matter what roadblock you put in front of them, they'll run right through it.
Each team has a lot to prove & nothing to lose. Personally, I gotta go with my Patriots. I've been a fan since 95 back when Drew Bledsoe was QB. Ever since then, I've just been with them. Through it all, they have proved why they are considered the best. And with Brady one win away from his 5th ring, there's no question why he shouldn't be considered the Jordan of football.
Only time will tell who will prevail in Houston. And being a resident of Georgia & a Patriots fan, I'm definitely looking forward to this game. Either way it goes I'm a winner. Well, as long as the Pats win.
Catch Super Bowl 51 on FOX. For info on how to watch and/or listen, click HERE.